If you fancy yourself a coffee aficionado, it may delight you to know that you could spend a full week in North Myrtle Beach, starting each day with a fresh cup of java from a different source, and still not visit all of the best coffee shops in the area. But – there’s nothing saying you can’t give it a try!
After all, the most popular spots are open well beyond the morning hours, and typically serving tasty pastries and sandwiches to accompany your beverage, making for a worthy pit stop day or night. Before your next beach vacation, stake out your route to the top stops for a little kick. You may even discover some genuine community spirit and culture along the way.
A relaxing beach vacation can really rejuvenate your mind and body—especially if you add in a great day at the spa. North Myrtle Beach spas offer everything from pilates and meditation to soothing massages and skin services—and everything in between.
Get ready for a little “R&R” at these top-rated North Myrtle Beach spas!
Tranquil settings, warm bathing rituals which include foot reflexology and lava shell massages are all part of the aim to recenter guests. Day packages give clients options like deep tissue or hot stone massages, personalized facials, and pedicures or a sugar glow and couple’s retreat in a hydrotherapy tub for two. Pick whatever sounds decadent to you! Body treatments with luscious coconut lotions and sugar scrubs will leave you glowingly soft all over. The infrared sauna allows guests to experience lowered blood pressure, detoxification and even pain relief.
Couples looking to reconnect and enjoy a day together can really benefit from a visit to this North Myrtle Beach Spa. This 5-star rated spa is very popular, so advanced booking is recommended. Come in for the ‘Prince and Princess Package’. For her – a 45-minute massage and facial. For him – a 75-minute massage and visit to the relaxation room. There are multiple packages with different options to suit your individual preferences. Facial peels, body polishes, and mud massages are some of the treatments offered to guests. Try the Kansa Wand Facial. The Chinese and Ayurvedic facial energizes and heals your delicate facial skin. Clay and seaweed wraps, eyelash perm and tints, and facial cupping will have you feeling brand new and looking great when you leave the spa.
Find your rhythm at the Jasmine Spa located inside McCann Chiropractic. Craniosacral therapy helps with the mobility of the nervous system, tissue, and bones of the cranial area. Gentle hand therapy will allow the fluids of this system to be unrestricted. This eases tension and gives a sense of overall peace to the client. This practice helps with migraines, menopausal symptoms and GI distress.
The Jasmine Signature facial uses essential oils and hot stones to restore energy and beauty to the skin. The skin feels revitalized and regenerated after a treatment. Cerasome oxygen is used in the Oxygen Restore facial, which helps tired, dull skin. Perfluorodecalin and Thiamine also help to give skin a much-needed energy boost during this energizing facial.
Here, high-quality spa services and pharmaceutical-grade products are designed to give clients the best spa experience possible. Come and enjoy honey and lavender salt scrubs, infrared sauna with Swedish massage, paraffin treatments and more. Butter-Rum back facials make sure your back is cleansed and beautiful – perfect for swimwear. Try the Trinity treatment to help heal skin laxity, sun damage, and texture issues.
Kids can get in on the fun, too. Bring children 12 and under to enjoy The Little Princess or The Little Prince – a chocolate sundae mask. Get a lollipop pedicure or manicure (complete with a lollipop.) Children can also learn how to take care of their skin.
Of course, there are massages, traditional treatments, and even a boutique to stroll through. Make-up, nail, and bridal packages are available as well as gift certificates. They even do hair treatments. Highlights, low-lights, and cuts, as well as a variety of other options, are available here at this full-service day spa.
Be welcomed into the serene atmosphere of this North Myrtle Beach spa with calming music and soothing aromatherapy fragrance filling the air. Stay for the day and enjoy the Essential Escape Package. Relax with a 1-hour Swedish massage, 1-hour facial, a mani-pedi, professional make-up application, and a shampoo and style.
Other services include Brazilian waxes, bikini waxes, shellac manicures, and massages. The VIP spa pedicure includes hot towels, callus elimination, lower leg and foot massage, moisturizing mask, and polish. Relax with a Swedish, deep-tissue or combo massage or a couple’s massage. A reflexology massage will boost the immune system and detoxify the body. It also feels fantastic.
Enjoy professional Chinese Therapeutic Massage here. The Ashiatsu massage is performed by a specialist who uses parallel bars as they stroll over your back. The therapists are highly trained to use the right amount of weight and gravitational force to ease tensions on your body. Of course, there are also deep-tissue, Thai, and reflexology massages, too.
The Lomi Lomi Massage and Body Scrub and Vichy Shower is total body relaxation and rejuvenation. The body scrub gently exfoliates dead skin cells and energizes new cells underneath. The massage is performed in tandem with a hot shower so that the heat of the waterworks with the massaging action for the ultimate in tension release. You will leave feeling energized, cleansed and relaxed.
A popular national massage chain, Massage Envy now offers a convenient location in North Myrtle Beach! This affordable spa experience includes a variety of customizable massage and skin care services. Melt into relaxation with a 60 or 90 minute massage session or release body tension with a total body stretch session. Massage Envy also offers personalized facial sessions, which include a skin consult and professional recommendations. You can’t beat the convenience and fast, friendly service!
Ideally situated near Main Street in North Myrtle Beach, Touch MedSpa takes a medical approach to spa treatments and services. This particular location offers chiropractic services, skin care treatments, spa services, massage therapy, and cosmetic treatments. Vacationers looking for a place to kick back and relax will feel right at home in the professional and intimate environment. Indulge in a variety of massage services and body treatments, including couples massages and spa parties. Or, refresh the skin after a day in the sun with a facial, peel, or skin treatment. There’s no doubt you’ll leave Touch MedSpa feeling totally refreshed and ready to relax!
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Each day spa offers its own special services and individual brands. Choose a spa experience that has exactly what you are in need of, whether it be a full day spa experience or a mani-pedi before a night out. A spa day is a perfect addition to a great North Myrtle Beach vacation!
Wine lovers, rejoice! Though the beach is typically associated with fruity cocktails and ice-cold beer, those that prefer to sip and savor wine aren’t left out of the fun.
North Myrtle Beach offers a rich experience for wine aficionados and enthusiasts alike. From stunning restaurants with award-winning wine lists to locally owned and operated wine shops with a robust wine selection, you can find a wine experience for any taste or budget.
Enjoy this quick guide to North Myrtle Beach Wineries and pencil in a glass of wine (or two!) at these local favorites!
Seashells aren’t the only thing you can scout along the seashore… shark’s teeth are a popular target for beach visitors of every age! The South Carolina coastline is a goldmine for shark tooth hunting, and you don’t need much to get in on the action; a keen eye and patience are the only supplies necessary
For many, it’s not a trip to North Myrtle without seeing sea turtles! The Grand Strand has been a popular nesting ground for sea turtles for well over a century. Now, certain species are endangered and protected—but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on seeing these majestic sea creatures during your stay.
Enjoy this quick guide to North Myrtle Beach sea turtles and learn how you can find a few turtles during your stay!
About Sea Turtles
The most common of the North Myrtle Beach sea turtles is the Loggerhead, which is the most abundant marine turtle species. Loggerheads are named for their large heads and powerful jaw muscles that are used to eat hard-shelled prey. These turtles have an average life span of 50 years, can grow to be more than 300 feet long, and weigh more than 220 pounds!
Unfortunately, this species is on the endangered species list due to the loss of nesting areas, food sources, and pollution levels rising in the ocean—though the numbers are finally starting to bounce back!
The loggerhead sea turtles are not as likely to be hunted for their meat or shells as other sea turtles. Instead, their declining numbers are due to being accidentally caught in fishing nets since their habitat coincides with the location of many fisheries.
Because of their current endangered status, certain regulations are in place in North Myrtle Beach and across the Grand Strand to protect the turtles.
North Myrtle Beach Advocacy Groups
Founded in 2010, the North Myrtle Beach Sea Turtle Patrol is a volunteer group that monitors and reports sea turtle activity along the beach. The group is registered with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and authorized to perform certain activities and events, including nest identification and marking, nest inventory, hatchling recovery, nest relocation, egg collection for genetic testing, and more.
The group is active between May 1st through mid-August, which is when sea turtle nesting season is most active, where they walk the beach each day to find and monitor nests.
Typically, turtle hatchlings will emerge 45-65 days after the female loggerhead lays her eggs. Four days after the hatchlings have emerged, the patrol is allowed to evaluate the nests. They are looking to see how many turtles hatched and how many eggs are left unhatched in a nest. The patrol is authorized by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to conduct their research and conservation activities in regards to the North Myrtle Beach sea turtles. The public is invited to come out and observe the process.
As mentioned above, the sea turtle population across the globe are slowly but surely making a comeback, thanks to 20+ years of conservation efforts.
The numbers for the 2019 season are promising. There were ~65 nests on record for the 2018 season and there have already been over 60 nests spotted for far this year with more to come. These numbers reflect nests across the Grand Strand between North Myrtle Beach all the way down to Pawleys Island.
As exciting as it may be, you need to remember that it is unlawful to disturb the sea turtle nests and the hatchlings as they emerge from the nest. Hatchlings are very vulnerable while emerging from their nests and can become disoriented very quickly. Even taking a picture with a flash can cause them to veer off-course. It is good to remember that they are wild animals and as such are not used to interactions with people.
Sea Turtle Viewing & Safety Tips
If you’re lucky enough to catch one, here are a few tips to safely (and legally!) observe the sea turtle nesting or hatching.
Do not sit or stand on the dunes since this is where the sea turtle hatchlings will be emerging from their nests.
Give the sea turtle hatchlings plenty of space and do not approach them.
Do not handle the sea turtle hatchlings or pick them up.
Do not help to guide the sea turtle hatchlings to the ocean.
Do not shine any lights on or around the sea turtle hatchlings, this can cause them to become disoriented and lose their way.
Do not turn your cell phone on since it can make noise during the start up process and startle the sea turtle hatchlings.
Do not take any pictures of the sea turtle hatchlings since flash photography can harm them.
Disturbing the sea turtle hatchlings is against the law and can result in causing them harm. Remember that you are here simply as an observer. It is important that the sea turtle hatchlings make the trek to the ocean on their own. They are learning survival skills that will be necessary for them while living in the ocean.
It is an extraordinary sight to watch sea turtles emerge from their nests and start their journey in life. North Myrtle Beach is a wonderful place to observe this event. Just remember that there are some simple rules to follow so that this great species can continue to exist and thrive in the wild.
North Myrtle Beach Sea Turtle FAQs
Want to learn more about sea turtles in North Myrtle Beach? Check out our FAQs!
What kind of sea turtles come to North Myrtle Beach?
Loggerhead sea turtles are the most prevalent sea turtle species along the Grand Strand. Other species, like the leatherback sea turtle, Kemp’s Ridleys, and green sea turtles can be spotted on occasion but are generally more rare. You can see a video about South Carolina sea turtles here.
What time of year can we view sea turtles?
Female turtles nest during the summer. Your best chance of seeing a wild Loggerhead sea turtle is from May through August.
Can we watch eggs being laid or hatched?
Yes—but you must follow local laws and respect local conservation groups during the process.
Where can I find information on sea turtle events?
Sea turtle nesting is a natural event and can’t really be planned in advance. You might stumble upon a nesting turtle during an evening walk along the beach, which is a very special occasion! If you do find a sea turtle nesting, follow viewing best practices listed above.
Planned events, like turtle nest inventories, are coordinated by the North Myrtle Beach Sea Turtle Patrol. You can check their Facebook page for information on upcoming events.
Are sea turtles released in North Myrtle Beach?
There is not currently a sea turtle rehabilitation and release center in the Horry County or the immediate Myrtle Beach area. The closest rehabilitation center is located in Charleston, SC and coordinated through the South Carolina Aquarium.
Unofficial releases through the DNR happen occasionally but are not planned in advance and are coordinated through local authorities.
For more information on sea turtles in North Myrtle Beach, visit the SCUTE (South Carolina United Turtle Enthusiasts) page on seaturtle.org for updated sightings and reports across the region.
When it comes to ice cream you just can’t go wrong. Whether you enjoy it soft or hard, in a dish or in a cone, or 1-, 2- or 3-scoops we all agree that when it comes to relaxing and enjoyment, ice cream is close to the top of the list. There are plenty of places where you can get ice cream in the area but here are some of the best spots in North Myrtle Beach SC!
Few things are as fun as driving a high-speed jet ski on the sea. Whether it’s speeding over the waves, or using it to follow the whales, jet skiing is a great way to spend a sunny day at the beach. North Myrtle Beach is an excellent beach vacation spot that is best experienced when driving a high-octane watercraft, with the sun on your skin and the breeze blowing through your hair. There’s a lot of jet ski rentals available near the beach along the Grand Strand. Too many, in fact, for a newly-arrived tourist to know which to pick. That’s why we’ve done your homework for you and found the 3 best North Myrtle Beach jet ski rentals.
Paddleboarding is one of the fastest-growing water sports in the world. It combines a great full body workout with fascinating sightseeing experience. People of all ages, fitness and skill levels can enjoy paddleboarding. You can even bring your children!
The Grand Strand is a great place to hone your paddleboarding skills. Even the pickiest fans of different water sports choose it to enjoy their favorite pastime. Besides stand up paddleboarding, North Myrtle Beach area offers fishing, jet skiing, and kayaking.
Take a look at the following North Myrtle Beach paddleboarding options:
With our sunny weather and extensive beaches, North Myrtle Beach is a favorite vacationing spot for our amazing guests and a great place to enjoy water sports. Combining the amazing views of the beach with the excitement of a high-speed flight, parasailing is one of the coolest activities you can practice in the area and one that the whole family will enjoy. Whether you use your bird’s eye view to spot the dolphins and visitors on the beach, or just enjoy the heart-pounding experience of speeding through the air, these North Myrtle Beach parasailing companies will make your trip one to remember.
If you’re here on vacation in North Myrtle Beach and want to hang out on the beach and have some great food and awesome drinks, check out these popular beachfront bars!
Coconuts Tiki Bar is located right on the beach at the Maritime Hotel. If you want great service, great food and some amazing drinks right on the beach, then this is the place to go! The owner is a North Myrtle Beach local who also Owns Midtown Bistro in North Myrtle Beach, which is another amazing place to eat. The owner goes out and catches fresh fish to be offered at both of the restaurants. Coconuts has a great family friendly atmosphere to enjoy a drink, food and the sun all in one. They occasionally will have live music to enjoy also.
